By Teri Yates
Founder and CEO, Accountable Physician Advisors
As we approach the close of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to look ahead to what’s next.
This has been a year of growth, progress, and possibility. We’ve expanded into new office space, advanced our Open Connect implementation, and welcomed new leaders whose expertise will guide us into the next phase of our journey.
At the same time, we’re preparing for one of the most significant changes our industry has seen in more than a decade: a complete overhaul of many of the CPT codes that shape how our physician clients are reimbursed for their work. It’s a major transition—but also an opportunity to strengthen the systems, relationships, and expertise that set us apart.
Major Coding Overhaul Coming in 2026
Since 2011, our vascular specialists have been using the same 16 CPT codes to describe the services they provide to patients with peripheral arterial disease. As of January 1, 2026, those 16 codes will be replaced by 46 new ones. It’s a major shift that will affect not only our coders, but also our physicians and nearly every member of the ARCS team.
The good news? We expect this change to result in increased reimbursement for our clients, a welcome reversal after years of downward payment trends. The challenge is that, as with any large-scale industry change, the transition will be complex and require every one of us to stay focused, flexible, and communicative.
How We’ll Prepare
Our coders will complete specialized training with Dr. Z., a recognized expert in the field, in early December. Shortly afterward, we’ll host a follow-up Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society (OEIS) webinar to help educate physicians nationwide on the changes. Behind the scenes, our management and technology teams, led by Samantha Kanagy, will update software systems, load new pricing, and test configurations to ensure a seamless go-live.
“When faced with uncertainty, we focus on what we can control: doing excellent work today, staying caught up, and positioning our clients, and ourselves for success tomorrow.”
Turning Uncertainty Into Leadership
I want to acknowledge that change often brings uncertainty, and that can be stressful. The truth is, none of us will have every answer immediately. Medicare has just finalized the details of these code changes, leaving only a few short weeks to prepare. But we’ve been here before. When faced with uncertainty, we focus on what we can control: doing excellent work today, staying caught up, and positioning our clients, and ourselves for success tomorrow.
This is also a moment for us to lead. When the new CPT structure was first announced, we were among the first in the nation to respond, partnering with OEIS to host an educational webinar that drew attention from practices and device companies across the country. That proactive approach positioned us as a trusted leader in navigating this change, and it’s something we should all take pride in.
Moving Forward Together
The coming months will require teamwork, adaptability, and perhaps a few schedule adjustments as we prioritize client support over the holiday period. But I have complete confidence in this team. Time and again, you’ve shown what we can achieve together. This transition is no different, and on the other side of it lies real opportunity, for our clients and for our company.